Dementia - this is why eating a Mediterranean diet could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s

Dementia - this is why eating a Mediterranean diet could lower your risk of Alzheimer’s

DEMENTIA signs and symptoms include memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating. But, you could lower your risk, or even prevent, Alzheimer’s disease by eating a Mediterranean diet, scientists have claimed.

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“There is some evidence that eating a Mediterranean-style diet can reduce the risk of developing problems with memory and thinking, and getting some forms of dementia.

“Mediterranean diets are traditionally high in fruits, vegetables, legumes and cereals, with moderate consumption of oily fish and dairy, and low in meat, sugar and saturated fat.

“High levels of antioxidants from the high intake of fruits and vegetables may help to protect against some of the damage to brain cells associated with Alzheimer's disease, as well as increasing the levels of proteins in the brain that protect brain cells from this damage.

“Inflammation in the brain is associated with Alzheimer's disease [although in this context we mean chemical changes within the brain's immune system, rather than swelling].

“There are suggestions that the diet reduces the signs of this inflammation.”

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Dementia: The diet typically includes plenty of vegetables and olive oil

The best way to lower your risk of dementia is to eat certain foods, take plenty of regular exercise, quit smoking, and maintain a normal blood pressure, the charity added.

Following these steps could also help to prevent cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and heart attacks.

You’re more likely to develop dementia as you get older, the NHS said.

Those with lower levels of education are more at risk, too, research has revealed.

By making small lifestyle changes, you could lower your risk of dementia by up to 30 per cent, it added.